Oh my...*g*...oh no!...*vbg*....Poor Legolas! He will never hear the end of it now! I loved the way Thranduil ALMOST let him get away with it, before he put his arm around him and questioned him about his poor attention span during his lessons! *snicker* Well, daw, great chapter..I am behind on reading and reviewing, darn it, but haven't had access to a computer like I normally do during school (darn it twice!). Ahhhhh, Eilien the LOVER, isn't he just too funny....."I'm tired.." yeah, ok, pull the other leg...."I have need of my wife..." hmmmmm, to "unpack", did he say? Those supper scenes were priceless with the family....Eilien finally gets to tease Legolas, and Thranduil gets to tease Celuwen (that was definitely a direct hit by the King!), and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Sooooo, the dwarfs and Hobbit have been spotted at Esgaroth drumming up support from the people there....the road goes ever on.....;-)
linda
Author's reply
It's a good thing that Legolas has spent years as the youngest of three brothers because he's undoubtedly learned how to take teasing! I picture Elves as very good at teasing. The ones who greeted Bilbo and company at the Last Homely House kidded the Dwarves for being nervous at crossing a narrow bridge, saying things like "Don't dip your beard in the water!" It was annoying as heck actually.
I loved having Eilian to write about again. I missed him. I type his name and he jumps to life and starts racing his horse and making sexy jokes and carrying his oh-so-lucky wife off to the bedroom. ;-)
erunyauve
· 5 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
'Presumably Thorin was ready to listen to another embassy though, for he had not shot at Tinár'
Pity!
'when he had been sent to ask for the parley earlier, an omission that had made Sinnarn roll his eyes and make caustic comments about lack of fairness. “And of good sense too,” Amdir had added. “I always knew Dwarves were slow-witted.”'
::g::
'“I think we will let someone else guard any prisoners though.”'
Good thing, too, since the next recorded prisoner will be Gollum and his guards fare considerably worse than Sinnarn did with the dwarves.
'“Master Archer! Master Guard!” Bilbo greeted them. “Dear me!”'
I loved this - a very hobbity thing to say.
'Behind Legolas, Beliond spat a word that made all the Elves within hearing turn around and look at him, although the Men seemed to take it in stride.'
I was in need of further enrichment of my vocabulary!
'The thought that a messenger might be safer than a warrior flitted quickly across his mind, and then he thought of Thorin’s arrow, lodged in Sinnarn’s shield.'
::looks alarmed:: You're *not* going to kill Sinnarn!
Author's reply
Given that Sinnarn just spent over a month in an office from which Tinar came and went, I can't imagine he's never before pictured someone putting an arrow in him. Just a little wound! Nothing lethal! Just painful!
I'm glad you thought Bilbo sounded hobbity. I don't usually write about hobbits, so I'm not very sure of myself with them.
And Beliond just decided to start cussing in a story one day and has been doing it ever since. He's never done it loudly enough that I actually hear the words, but that must be because I don't have Elvish hearing. ;-)
sofia
· 5 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
oh very intresting... next chapter should prove to be exciting, eh?
-sofia
Author's reply
I *hope* the next chapter is exciting! It should be the battle scene and then there's the aftermath and then the story will be done.
Manderly
· 5 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
What a wonderful chapter! You built up the tension so well. I really hope you get to the meat of the battle in your next post as I am holding my breath for it.
I am so glad that Sinnarn is back in action again. He really did not deserve the harsh punishment that was dealt to him.
Beliond and company are really a class by themselves. I guess they would have to be if their charges are members of the Royal Family. I really cannot help but love them as they always bring out the giggles in me.
Thranduil was pretty magnificent in this chapter. No wonder Legolas is totally awed by him. I would be too if he were my father.
Really looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
The battle should be coming right up!
I think that Ithilden is as relieved as Sinnarn is to have him back in favor. He hated having his son in trouble, but he's so fair-minded that the didn't want to show any favoritism.
The three keepers are, as you say, "a class by themselves." Thranduil chose them well. They are devoted to their charges, and their personalities vary a bit to suit the son. Maltanaur is much more easy going than Beliond is, for instance.
Thranduil rules! Well, I mean figuratively as well as literally.
ValkrieCrow
· 5 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
Yay! Some action! Sorry I haven't reviewed in a while, but I just spent two weeks at the beach! :)
I have never wanted to hurt Bilbo this much, it's a good thing he's not one of my favorite characters.
"Behind Legolas, Beliond spat a word that made all the Elves within hearing turn around and look at him, although the Men seemed to take it in stride."
Too funny! I can imagine that the Men's ears have heard that word before.
I am awaited the next chapter with much anxiety!
Author's reply
I hope you had a good time. I'm jealous! I love the beach.
Bilbo wasn't bad really, unless you look at it from Sinnarn's POV (which we're doing). But he did make problems for the Elves.
Belion amuses me no end. Somehow he just jumped off the page and started cussing in one story and he's been doing it ever since. Legolas's vocabulary has expanded!
Lera
· 5 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
I cannot believe you left us there!! My blood's lit, I can't wait to read more! This was a fast update. You update faster than any other author I read, for which I thank you.
I'm so glad Sinnarn is back with his patrol. I have to admit I was a little surprised when Bilbo actually told Legolas and Sinnarn it was a ring that made him invisible. But then he did say it was just a toy.
Thranduil was wonderful. I was as proud of him as Legolas was.
Great chapter. Please update soon.
Author's reply
I'm a teacher and it's summer so I have lots of time to write right now. :-)
I had to guess about how much Bilbo told about the ring. At a point we haven't gotten to yet, Thranduil says something like "May your shadow never grow less, or burgling would grow too easy." So from that I inferred that he knew that Bilbo had become invisible, which means he probably knew how. They all seem to take magic somewhat for granted and there's no reason to think that this ring is the One Ring. It seems almost absurd to think that!
I love Thranduil. Battle sequence coming up.
nessie
· 5 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
You just HAD to stop it right when the battle is starting! I remember that part when Ithilden sent Sinnarn out, I remember that dream. I wonder what's going to happen now. If I remember anything from The Hobbit, alot of the Elves died. Don't kill anybody off that I really like. Anyways, update asap!
~nessie~
Author's reply
What a good memory you have, Nessie! Yes, Ithilden had that dream in "One Year in Mirkwood." Tolkien says that few escaped this battle unwounded and "among the goblin dead lay many men and many dwarves, and many a fair elf that should have lived yet long ages merrily in the wood." Sobering thought.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 5 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
And you still haven't got to the battle! But this was a great chapter, with some wonderful parts. Thank you for including Thranduil's best line of all, 'long will I tarry ere I begin this war for gold'. It's the reason I love him.
Legolas's pride at being his father's son was very touching, and I like his admiration of Bard. Great foreshadowing in this line: 'the archer who stood his ground when a creature of darkness swept overhead'. Now *where* have I read a scene like that? ;)
I'm still making bets with myself on who you kill. Please, not Thranduil's family.
Jay
Author's reply
This chapter ended where I thought the last one would end. I'm terrible at telling how long it's going to take me to tell my story. And Thranduil's line is a thrilling one, partly because you don't necessarily expect it. It's so great.
I love that you caught the allusion to the Nazgul. There are just so many themes in The Hobbit that come back again in LOTR.
Ms. Whatsit
· 5 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
Ah, so Sinnarn and Ithilden finally have The Conversation about the Mystery of the Re-filling Wine Cup. And Ithilden believes him. Good. I was amused by the thought of Alfirin almost fighting with Ithilden because she believeed Sinnarn and he didn't--that's a scene I would have liked to see, though I can understand why you didn't include it. And Sinnarn's back in the Home Guard! Yay! I like the easy way Todith welcomes him back--not pretending that the wine incident didn't happen, but just mentioning it like it was a joke. It sort of reminds me of what happened in another one of your fics--Fire and Shadow, I think?--where Legolas has to be tied to Beliond for a day as punishment. I like the way you've portrayed the Mirkwood military's attitude about discipline.
I loved Todith handing Bilbo over to Legolas and Sinnarn. Hee! I'd be alarmed, too, if I were Bilbo! Sinnarn, I guess, is a bit sorry he didn't get to take his revenge on Bilbo! But that scene goes from comic to chilling really fast when Bilbo brings out the ring. "Such a small thing," hmm, Legolas? A "toy of no consequence"? That "small thing" is going to change his life--I guess he looked back on this moment many times during the Quest. I liked the Legolas-Bard moment too. Bard is proto-Aragorn in many ways, so that, too, tied in with the LotR trilogy.
But Bard's getting a bit above himself, isn't he. Trying to order Sinnarn around in that tone, when he's a) an Elf and not under Bard's command, and b) second in line to the throne of Mirkwood, though I guess Bard may not know that. But Bard can't get away with too much with the Elves around. Go Thranduil! That's my favorite line of his, about not wanting to start a war for gold.
And now the carnage starts. I suppose this is where you get rid of your superfluous OCs, hmm?
Author's reply
Ithilden's love for his son is touching, I think. His role as Sinnarn's commander as well as his father makes situations like this tough. I figure warriors need discipline, but elves are not so rigid as men are. They have forever to get perspective and learn one another's strengthes.
I absolutely thought that about Bard! His physical description is even proto-Aragorn: dark and grim. I love it when things in this story look forward to the trilogy.
And Thranduil was willing to let Bard be in charge for only so long before he had to bring the smackdown. I love the guy. "Long will I tarry before I begin this war for gold." Go, Elvenking!!!
French Pony
· 5 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
"Long will I tarry, ere I begin this war for gold."
Thranduil for President in '04!
How frustrating must it be to be surrounded by fools who are shooting at nominal allies over gold that, from your point of view, isn't going anywhere? Thranduil seems to have the clearest view of economic reality of all the leaders here. Thorin just wants to sit on his wealth, which will ultimately bring him no good. Bard would take his share and probably pump it all into Lake Town, which would prop up Lake Town for a while, but eventually the gold would be gone and they'd be in the same situation as before. Thranduil wants to take some gold and trade with the Men and the Dwarves, thereby putting the currency in circulation and enriching everyone, thereby proving himself to have the firmest grasp on the concept of a functional economy. Perhaps because his aim for the gold is to trade it right back to the Dwarves and Men, he's not quite as attached to "his share" as the others are. His pech that he's the one market economist trapped in the company of hostile hoarders.
Oh, dear. I'm turning into my father. Oh, Legolas! Be a dear and shoot me now, if you would, there's a good Elf.
Ithilden and Sinnarn have an interesting conversation here. It seems that they understand it very differently. Ithilden is really looking for any excuse to believe Sinnarn, no matter how thin it is. To his mind, the story of the invisible Hobbit refilling the flagon is pretty implausible, but it's just enough so that he can justify believing Sinnarn, which he really wants to do. Sinnarn, on the other hand, is convinced that he's telling the absolute truth, which we can assume he is. But a truth like that is so wildly improbable that Ithilden will likely never fully believe it, even as he uses it as an excuse to take Sinnarn back into his good graces.
Speaking of Sinnarn, he should probably refrain from using phrases like "You worry too much, Adar." People who say things like that on the eve of battle rarely come to good ends. Perhaps someone should remind him of the Confederate general whose last words were, "They couldn't hit a barn at this dist --."
Here come the Orcs, and here comes the Fickle Finger of Fate. Place your bets, ladies and gentle-elves! Round and round and round it goes. . .
Author's reply
I thought about Thranduil as President too. :-) He might be a little autocratic though.
It's been a little tricky to catch Thranduil's attitude toward the treasure well. Tolkien says he loves treasure and beautiful things, but he also clearly announces that he's not starting a war over gold. He's really amazing.
I am so sorry about your father ventroliquating through you. It's awful when that kind of thing happens.
The conversation between Ithilden and Sinnarn was the first thing I worked out in this chapter that I was really pleased with. It's turning out to be hard to keep the focus on my characters' stories rather than on Tolkien's plot, not that that plot isn't important too!
I actually altered some of Tolkien's language, saying 'orc' where he said 'goblin.' Bad me!
Esamen
· 5 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
And thank you for another fabulous chapter . . . there's so much in this one that I will have to go home, read The Hobbit some more, and check out all this action!
*****
Legolas and Sinnarn looked at one another and then at a slightly alarmed looking Bilbo. “Yes, Captain,” Sinnarn said cheerily.
Oh, Bilbo's between a rock and a hard place now! Hee hee! I can just see the Elves' nasty smiles.
*****
“I really do not mind,” Bilbo said. “I do not know how I would have gotten it all home anyway.”
Legolas stared at him, his mind awhirl with thoughts of all those around him who seemed to have their hearts set on owning at least some of whatever was in the mountain.
Oh, yes. Our Bilbo. Tolkien's Bilbo of The Hobbit is such a tremendous character . . . I think that his hobbityness plays up against the Elvishness and Dwarvishness in such a fascinating way . . . there's just no one else like him in all of Arda. Nice touch in that conversation.
*****
“Long will I tarry, ere I begin this war for gold,” Thranduil said, in an imperious tone that made every Elf around him come to attention. “The Dwarves cannot pass us, unless we will, or do anything that we cannot mark. Let us hope still for something that will bring reconciliation. Our advantage in numbers will be enough, if in the end it must come to unhappy blows.”
And a nice touch for Thranduil too! He's being a very ethical guy in this story, in spite of the lure of the treasure.
I can't wait to see the next chapter! I hope you are enjoying writing this as much as I am enjoying reading it! Thanks!
Esamen
Author's reply
I've been pouring over The Hobbit, of course, and one thing I've realized is that Tolkien is a far more poetic, descriptive writer than he gets credit for. His description of the dwarves rolling into the valley and then the thunder and bats is just wonderful. I was really sort of intimidated by it.
Your comments on Bilbo's hobbityness were right on, I think. He just wants some peace and good meal! Would there were more of us like him!
Thranduil is fabulous. That's my very favorite line for him from The Hobbit. I can't think why anyone ever calls him greedy.
Bodkin
· 5 July 2004
· Chapter 15: What Price Loyalty?
Oh, splendid.
Do you know, I always have an edge of disappointment when a new chapter comes up, because I know that when I have read it I will have to wait again for the next!
I'm so glad Sinnarn has been forgiven (although Ithilden is right that this is probably not the best moment to rejoin the warriors). I'm happy that Bilbo has told them how he did it - and that he has proved that there are people around who care more for right than treasure. And that Thranduil came out with his best line.
'How could such a small thing have caused so much trouble?' Hah!!!
Legolas and Bard - the only two dragon-slayers on Middle Earth?
Brilliant, comme d'habitude.
Author's reply
What a wonderful thing to say, Bodkin! I'll update fast, I promise.
People in this story really do react differently to the treasure. It's interesting to see it actually. Bilbo is just such a hobbit. No wonder a hobbit was the one to carry the ring to Mt. Doom.
Thranduil is so great. I love him more and more.
caz - baz
· 5 July 2004
· Chapter 14: Siege
I'VE BEEN ON WORK EXPERIENCE ALL LAST WEEK SO HAVE HAD NO TIME AT ALL TO REVIEW. BUT I'VE JUST CAUGHT UP AND IT'S GOING REALLY WELL - IT'S GIVEN ME A BETTER INSIGHT INTO THE HOBBIT, AS I SORT OF SKIMMED THE BOOK.
WELL I'LL HAVE AN ATTEMPT TO READ IT SOON.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT CHAPTER'S.
CAZ BAZ
Author's reply
I hope your work experience went well, Caz-Baz. "The Hobbit" tells this story from the Dwarves' point of view, of course, so they come off looking much better in it, I think.
LKK
· 4 July 2004
· Chapter 14: Siege
Happy Fourth of July, daw! For at least what's left of it in my time zone, anyway. :)
A long haul? Perhaps.
Tedious? Not in the least.
I'm very glad Bilbo fessed up to the trickery with the wine. I hope that his confession will remove the stain of liar that marked Sinnarn.
There are many things I like about how you're handling the close integration of your work and Tolkien's in these past 2 chapters. We can't deny that Thranduil enjoyed jewels and treasure. But simply liking them and letting them dominate actions are two different situations. You clearly show the contrasts. Maybe now the anti-Thranduilites will be able to reread The Hobbit and see the truth more easily.
Good job!
Author's reply
Having people believe he's lying was, in some ways, the worst part of this for Sinnarn, and if he can convince at least his father that he's not, he'll feel much better.
As I was writing about Thranduil, I was worried that readers might think I was treating him too gently and ignoring his faults, but when you look at what Bard demands, it's clear that they're not asking for anything for the Elves. That actually took a while to sink in for me because Thranduil is portrayed as so greedy in fanfiction. I had read The Hobbit years ago and reread it last year, but I somehow didn't notice that Thranduil was asking for NOTHING. It actually made a plot difficulty for me, because then I had to think of reasons he would stay at Erebor rather than just going home once he realized that the Dwarves were alive.
White Wolf
· 4 July 2004
· Chapter 14: Siege
It was good of Bilbo to tell Sinnarn what happened with the wine, otherwise he would probably never have known, and no matter how well he acquitted himself after that, that would have remained a black mark against him.
I like Bard's determination and logic in arguing for part of the treasure. Thranduil seems content to let him have his way, for now, at least.
I never liked Galelas when he and Legolas were novices together, but I really feel sorry for him being Tinár's brother. No one deserves *that*. I'm glad he told the jerk off.
Author's reply
You're so right: Sinnarn needs to know what happened with the wine and he needs to be able to tell those who rely on him. He probably should have noticed he was getting drunk, no matter how "little" he thought he was drinking, but still, he was trying to limit himself and the Dorwinion was strong enough that maybe it caused him not to notice.
Bard's an interesting character. You wouldn't think there'd be very many Men who could take charge while Thranduil was around, but he seems to be one of them.
And Tinar is so awful that I don't even know what to say about him.
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 4 July 2004
· Chapter 14: Siege
Thanks for thanking us for reading, Daw. I hope that made sense. :) However, none is needed, for the word tedious does not enter my mind when reading your work, nor does it require thanks. But thank you all the same.
After my confusing opening remarks, I would like to proceed with: more confusion. I really don't remember my hobbit. Did Mithrandir show up? And did Bilbo really go visit the Elves? Ay me, I will have to reread. Gah! Sorry, I should have done so before reading this chapter.
Anyways as to the parts I understood, nicely done. Thranduil and Bard seem very similar leaders. I see they are working spledidly together. I am so happy for Sinnarn, that he is accepted again. But Bilbo, really! If I were Sinnarn I would have throttled that Hobbit on the spot. Cheers for the siege! And good luck everybody! Cheers and keep writing!
Author's reply
Oh yes, Estel, Mithrandir shows up (much to Bilbo's surprise and delight) and Bilbo does indeed sneak out of the cave and go to visit the Elves and Men. He's fed up with the siege, and so far as he can see, Thorin would sit there forever before he'd part with a single gold chain.
And I couldn't agree more: Thranduil and Bard are a lot alike! I've just finished writing that in a line in the next chapter. And things are looking up for Sinnarn. Thranduil told him that how he lived with the consequences of his actions would determine what happened next, and that's all come true. He's behaved with dignity and courage and people see that. :-)
Bodkin
· 4 July 2004
· Chapter 14: Siege
I was thinking in the dark hours of the night (yes I am a sad obsessive) - until Bilbo apologised to Sinnarn, the elves wouldn't really have known he was there, would they? I mean, Legolas had the Home Guard searching for Hobbit outside - and without knowing that he had the magic ring of invisibility, they would never have suspected he was inside the Stronghold. So, they might have wished to thump him for being one of the dwarves' party, (although having received the approval of Thranduil and Bard might have made them realise Bilbo had done something to help them) - but until he said he was there, and proved it by recognising Sinnarn - they wouldn't really have been able to blame him for the escape, would they?
Incidentally, this is not in the slightest tedious. It is, to quote Ron Weasley, 'b***y brilliant'.
Author's reply
My thinking was that Legolas was just ticked off at the fact that the "Dwarf child" had "tricked" him so thoroughly. He took lots of teasing for his concern about Hobbit, and he knows that the Dwarves know it, so he figures Bilbo must too, if only because the Dwarves told him. That's why Bilbo speaks about Legolas's "kind heart" at first. And Sinnarn is just ticked at any member of the Dwarf party until, as you say, Bilbo apologizes. Then it's all too confusing and they have too many questions.
I'm glad you like the story. I feel better about it today. Yesterday, I moaned to Nilmandra about how boring it was and how much I hated it, but it's not like I've never done that before, and I'm sure she's laughing in front of her computer terminal even as she types comforting messages to me.
Jebb
· 4 July 2004
· Chapter 14: Siege
Where do I start this was a great read and gave a much needed insight into the thoughts of the elves and humans as opposed to the Hobbt and dwarves
It fits seemlessly into the book though and the boredom of setting a seige was well handled too it is not all excitement in war
But good although all that is and it is! It is the persoanl touches that make this such a wonderful tale to follow
Maltanaur warning Eilian to keep quiet else he would be in trouble with both kings LOL
Legolas not minding Galelas so much now he is sure he stands higher in his brothers affections
Galelas giving it back to the lovely Tinar
Sinnarn getting to go as standard bearer despite misgivings
Mithrandir driving poor Legolas mad with his conundrums
Thranduil just reminding Legolas and Sinnarn that Bilbo is his guest he must have been very aware what they were thinking
Legolas' outrage at Bilbo's 'explanations' and his desire to thump him in retribution for his nephew
and his final thought at the stream how tempted he must have been
this was wonderful thank you
Happy Independence day
Author's reply
I'm so glad this seemed to fit into the book for you. Working out what Thranduil was thinking was tricky actually because once you discard the idea that he's hanging around for treasure, you have to ask why he doesn't just go home.
And for me, the most enjoyable part of writing this came when I had my characters in scenes of their own with Tolkien's story going on around them but not dominating them. It was tricky to do actually, because Tolkien's story is so compelling.
I think that Bilbo was lucky Thranduil reminded his son and grandson that Bilbo was under his protection. :-)
erunyauve
· 4 July 2004
· Chapter 14: Siege
'As often in conversations with Mithrandir, he was not sure he had completely understood what was being said.'
I think that's one of the things I like about Gandalf (and that's why I like writing him, too) - he has this mystery about him that sometimes seems bumbling but in the end shows that he knew everything all along.
The meeting between Legolas and Sinnarn and Bilbo was priceless - and perhaps will give Legolas a very personal reason to see the Ring destroyed.
Author's reply
That's exactly how Gandalf comes across! If you didn't know him, you'd think 'what is this old man rambling about?' But then events take place and you think 'NOW I see!'
You made me laugh about the ring. I can imagine Legolas glaring at it at the Council of Elrond.
maya_ar
· 3 July 2004
· Chapter 14: Siege
I'm particularly enjoying the "behind the scenes" aspect of this story, looking at the events of "The Hobbit". Looking forward to how this pans out.
cheers,
Maya
Author's reply
Thank you, maya_ar. This has been fun to write. I keep coming across parts of the story that need explanation from the Elves' point of view. Like why do they stay at the siege when they aren't asking for anything for themselves? And for me, one of the side effects of writing this story has been seeing that Thranduil is much maligned by the fan community. I love the Elvenking!
Manderly
· 3 July 2004
· Chapter 14: Siege
I was hoping that you get to the battle soon but this chapter was very enjoyable nevertheless. The story so far is not at all tedious. Actually, the longer the story, the better.
Good for Galelas for putting Tinar in his place, or at least for shutting him up. I really wish someone would give that twit a good smack. Having a brother like that must be a fate worse than death. No wonder he is jealous of Legolas.
So Legolas finally meets the "child". Quite a jump from being concerned for the welfare of the "child" to wanting to beat it senseless, though I really don't blame him. I cannot imagine what Sinnarn wants to do to Bilbo.
Really looking forward to your next post!
Author's reply
I'm working on the next chapter and I'm not even sure I'll get to the battle in that one! I'm terrible about judging how long it will take me to tell things. My beta always laughs when I tell her how many more chapters I think the story will take.
At least Galelas doesn't have to live with Tinar anymore most of the time. His fellow warriors value him and that's good for him, I think.
I think I'll have to give Sinnarn and Legolas a little more quality time with Bilbo. :-)
mer
· 3 July 2004
· Chapter 14: Siege
I want you to know that I certainly am not finding this story tedious (when I see a new chapter posted I immediately go to read it above all else)!
Like your other fans, I too am nervous about who's gonna get it in the battle. On that note, when I read the aftermath of the battle of the five armies in The Hobbit, Tolkien made the "elvenking" to be rather cheerful or maybe not upset (at least that is how I remember it) so, if true, does that mean none of his family will be killed? Whatever happens though, I can't wait for the next chapter! Thanks DAW!!!
Author's reply
Thank you, mer. I don't why this story just seemed dull to me yesterday, but it did, so I'm glad readers don't feel that way.
I don't think I should comment on who dies. As always when I get ready to kill a character, I feel bad, but I think it would be unrealistic for everyone to survive.
Anonymous
· 3 July 2004
· Chapter 14: Siege
“Really I must be going, and quickly,” the hobbit was saying as they approached.
I know it’s been kind of a long haul, but I hope it’s not been too tedious.
Oh, no! Far from it! Spin it out! Make it last a month! This is delightful! Way too fun to rush through!
But what about the fact that you didn't include Thranduil's delicious line, "Bilbo Baggins! You are more worthy to wear the armor of elf-princes than many who have looked more comely in it." ?????? My favorite line?
I guess I can see your point that it doesn't really move your particular story along, but it's such a funny line . . . Elvishness and hobbitness kind of intersect in it.
Congratulations again -- bows and cheers -- Esamen
Author's reply
I've been trying to avoid using too much of Tolkien's dialogue actually, just because it's available elsewhere. :-) I included the negotiations of Thorin and Bard just because they seemed central but I've been dodging using the rest when I could. Actually, what I'd like to do is keep focussed on my characters but Tolkien's story is so compelling, it keeps drawing me in. I was just rereading his description of the actual battle (for obvious reasons), and I was struck with how wonderful the descriptions are.
Ms. Whatsit
· 3 July 2004
· Chapter 14: Siege
Oh, Legolas SHOULD have dropped Bilbo! Or hung him upside down from a tree or something!
I liked Cynical!Eilian making bets with Legolas about Bard. I'm surprised Thranduil is letting Bard take charge as much as he is--but maybe he's hoping that Bard's people will do the bulk of the work and then share the hoard with the Elves? That would be clever. Though I know he puts his foot down later with the "Long will I tarry, ere I begin this war for gold," bit.
I've got Galelas marked down as cannon fodder. I think you're going to kill him. There's no other reason for bringing him back and dwelling on his unappreciated status within his family. I have a few other guesses on who you're going to kill--I wonder if I'll be right!
Once again I'm amazed at how well you're writing such a complicated plot.
Author's reply
I've had trouble getting a handle on Thranduil in the last couple of chapters. When you look at how he's presented in the book, it's so different from how fanfic shows him that you have to stop and think about his motives all over again. Neither he nor Bard ever demands anything from the Dwarves for the Elves -- for the men, yes, but not for the Elves, so why does he stay? I finally decided it was because he pitied the people of Esgaroth and respected Bard and wanted an ally and was just ticked at the Dwarves. But he's NOT greedy. So it's all kind of subtle to show. And he's out of his element too, so he's less domineering than usual. He's being subtle-politician-Thranduil rather than kick-ass-king-Thranduil.
I've been feeling rather bad about this story today, actually, so I'm glad you're enjoying it. It suddenly seemed boring as all get out to me.
French Pony
· 3 July 2004
· Chapter 14: Siege
It does seem that money (or, in this case, treasure) is the root of much evil. This is why I am going to grad school to acquire advanced degrees in ethnomusicology, a choice which will ensure that I will never ever have enough money to get into this kind of trouble.
It seems to me that Thranduil finds himself slightly in over his head here. The Dwarves not only are not dead, but they are actively shooting at peaceful messengers and beloved grandchildren. And it seems that Bard is far more interested in the treasure than Thranduil had anticipated. And to top it all off, in waltzes Mithrandir announcing that he was responsible for the Dwarves in the first place. Props to Thranduil for keeping as much of his cool as he has. I did snicker a little at his designation of Bard as a "so-called" King, mainly because I started imagining Thranduil as the French Taunter:
Thranduil: "Go and boil your bottoms, sons of a silly Dwarf. I blow my nose at you, so-called Bard King, you and all your silly Hobbit Knnnnnnn-iggets!"
And, of course, the little-known side effects of a siege: The Fidgets. What will last longer, the food supply of the besieged, or the patience of the besiegers? I think Bilbo has tipped the scales slightly in the direction of the besiegers, if only by showing up and being Hobbity at the Elves, who I'm sure are glad to take complete befuddlement over numbing boredom. At least Bilbo had the grace to apologize. And Legolas may, sixty years on, find that he's sorry he asked how Bilbo managed to slip by without being seen.
As for gruesome video, the hip replacement tape is actually an educational exhibit at the Boston Science Museum. "For work" is not a bad guess, though. Video I've seen at work would include a very thorough autopsy, experimental eyeball surgery, the Hartford Circus Fire, a whole lot of tornadoes, drunken sailors and a really bad Broadway-style belter. That's the other reason I'm fleeing to the safety of grad school.
Author's reply
Hey, good plan! No money will come your way at all! So you'd better enjoy it, despite all the graduate school will do to prevent that. Don't let the bastards win!
I had trouble writing about Thranduil here because he seemed out of his element. He's away from his forest, not far away, but away, and he's not the only king around. They seem to be crawling out of the woodwork, actually. So he has to hold back and figure out both what's good for his realm and what's right to do, and then he has to do it rather more quietly than he usually would. (It's a little hard for me to imagine Thranduil saying what you said, but hey! He's a quick study!)
As I am working on this story, I keep finding so many elements that will play into Legolas's future, right down to a grim, dark man. For me, that's one of the things that makes it interesting to write about. The fact that we know where all these folks are headed gives all their current actions greater depth, I think.